15467, New Geneva, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 15467, New Geneva, Pennsylvania is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

66.67 percent of residents in 15467 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.33 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Uniontown Hospital with a distance of 11.88 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 15467

The picturesque landscape surrounding New Geneva, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15467), belies a critical factor influencing its residents' overall health: the accessibility of healthcare. This report delves into the complexities of *transportation* options available, assessing their impact on *healthcare access* and ultimately shaping the *Overall Health Score* for this community. For individuals *moving to New Geneva*, understanding these nuances is paramount to ensuring their well-being.

The *Overall Health Score* for 15467, concerning healthcare accessibility, is significantly influenced by the limited options available. The rural nature of the area presents challenges, demanding a nuanced understanding of the realities of commuting to medical facilities. The reliance on personal vehicles is high, and the availability of alternative *transportation* methods is constrained.

**Driving the Distance: The Road to Care**

The primary mode of *transportation* for accessing healthcare in 15467 is the personal vehicle. This reality directly impacts the *Overall Health Score*, as drive times and road conditions become significant determinants of healthcare access. The primary arteries connecting New Geneva to surrounding healthcare facilities are Route 166 and Route 857.

Driving to Uniontown Hospital, the closest major medical center, necessitates navigating Route 166 and then connecting to US-40 East. The drive, under ideal conditions, can take approximately 30-45 minutes, covering roughly 20-25 miles. This time frame is subject to significant variation, dependent on traffic, weather, and the driver's familiarity with the winding roads.

For specialized care or access to a wider range of medical services, residents often travel to Morgantown, West Virginia. This journey involves taking Route 166 to Route 857, then connecting to I-68 West. The drive to facilities like WVU Medicine Ruby Memorial Hospital can extend to 1 hour or more, covering approximately 40-50 miles. This extended travel time, especially during emergencies, can negatively affect the *Overall Health Score*.

The condition of these roads further compounds the challenges. Route 166 and Route 857, while generally well-maintained, can experience seasonal issues, including potholes and ice, particularly during winter months. These conditions can increase travel times and pose safety risks, further impacting *healthcare access*. The topography of the region, characterized by hills and valleys, also contributes to the complexity of driving conditions.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public *transportation* options in 15467 are severely limited, posing a significant barrier to *healthcare access*. The Greene County Transit Authority (GCTA) provides some service within the county, but its routes and schedules are not specifically designed to facilitate easy access to healthcare facilities. Furthermore, the GCTA’s service frequency is limited, with routes operating on a fixed schedule and often with limited weekend or evening service.

The GCTA does offer ADA-accessible vehicles, ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to *transportation*. However, the limited route coverage and infrequent schedules can still present challenges for those with mobility impairments or other disabilities. The lack of direct routes to major healthcare providers further exacerbates the difficulties.

The absence of robust public *transportation* directly impacts the *Overall Health Score*, particularly for individuals without personal vehicles, the elderly, and those with disabilities. This forces reliance on family, friends, or expensive alternatives, further restricting *healthcare access*.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Costly Alternatives**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and affordability are questionable. The limited availability of drivers in the rural setting can lead to longer wait times and higher fares, making them a less-than-ideal option for routine medical appointments. For those *moving to New Geneva*, this is a crucial consideration.

Medical *transportation* services, such as those offered by companies like MedStar or First Call Ambulance, provide specialized *transportation* for medical appointments. These services are typically more expensive than ride-sharing and are often reserved for individuals with specific medical needs or those requiring stretcher *transportation*. While essential for some, they are not a sustainable solution for the general population.

The cost of these alternatives further diminishes the *Overall Health Score*, particularly for low-income residents. The financial burden of *transportation* can deter individuals from seeking necessary medical care, leading to delayed diagnoses and poorer health outcomes.

**The Impact on the Overall Health Score**

The *Overall Health Score* for *healthcare access* in 15467 is negatively impacted by the limitations in *transportation* options. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the constraints of public *transportation*, ride-sharing, and medical *transportation*, creates significant barriers to *healthcare access*. The extended drive times to medical facilities, the condition of the roads, and the cost of alternative *transportation* all contribute to a lower score.

The lack of readily available and affordable *transportation* can lead to delayed or missed medical appointments, exacerbating existing health conditions and potentially leading to more serious health complications. This ultimately impacts the overall well-being of the community.

For individuals *moving to New Geneva*, understanding these limitations is crucial. Careful consideration of *transportation* needs, access to personal vehicles, and the availability of support networks are essential for ensuring adequate *healthcare access*.

**Recommendations for Improvement**

To improve the *Overall Health Score* and enhance *healthcare access* in 15467, several measures could be implemented. Increased investment in public *transportation*, including expanded routes and service frequency, is essential. Collaboration between the GCTA and local healthcare providers could facilitate the development of routes specifically designed to serve medical facilities.

Exploring partnerships with ride-sharing companies to offer discounted fares for medical appointments could also be beneficial. Promoting community carpooling programs and encouraging volunteer driver initiatives could help bridge the *transportation* gap.

Finally, promoting telehealth services and expanding access to virtual healthcare appointments could reduce the need for physical *transportation*, particularly for routine check-ups and follow-up appointments. These initiatives, coupled with ongoing efforts to improve road conditions, would significantly contribute to improving the *Overall Health Score* and ensuring that residents of 15467 have equitable *healthcare access*.